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Beach decor brings the beauty and tranquility of the seaside into your home. Let the sand and surf inspire a timeless style that gives rooms a bright, airy feeling. Beach decor is extremely flexible -- your room designs can be formal, casual or anywhere in between. Coastal decor window coverings should provide privacy, light filtration and insulation, while complementing your room’s style. In beach-themed rooms, curtain fabrics may include both synthetic and natural materials. More formal ocean-themed rooms should take advantage of the luxury of custom draperies, while premade curtains work well in casual rooms. Flowing fabrics such as rayon, linen, cotton blends, silk and faux silk lend the right aesthetic appeal and filter the light. Add linings to lighter weight fabrics for additional durability, privacy and insulation.

Down by the Sea

Signature elements in beach decor include prints and decorative motifs featuring sea creatures. Windows featuring decorative tab-top cotton panels with starfish and seashell prints that incorporate the colors found in nature provide the theme for a kitchen or bathroom. Sheer silk tie-top panels with embroidered seahorses or silk-screened fish can frame living room windows with a dreamy underwater scene. Adding additional fabric to floor-length curtains or using curtains that overflow onto the floor lends a dramatic tropical-inspired billow at the bottom. To avoid going overboard and cluttering window space, balance printed curtain panels with solid sheers.

Oceans of Blue

Include the numerous blue hues found at the beach in your design to duplicate the look of sunny skies and cool ocean waves. A formal master bedroom can include velvet or tapestry curtains with wide, flat box pleats in a midnight blue reminiscent of deep waters. A family room with a casual Caribbean design can include energetic peacock blue curtain panels in a playful canvas fabric with a metal grommet heading, giving a look akin to a boat’s sails. With solid-colored drapery, you can tie in the beach design with decorative hardware that includes driftwood curtain rods, thick rope tiebacks and seashell finials.

Aye-Aye Captain

Themes borrowed from seafaring vessels can keep windows and surrounding views looking shipshape. Nautical-themed drapery lends imagination to a child’s room and can include ocean charts, ships, flags and stripes. Color schemes include cheerful blues, reds and yellows balanced on backgrounds with neutral tones of sand and cream. Living room curtain fabrics might include natural-looking tweeds or other cotton blends, and more refined patterns. Select designs that take a clean, elegant approach to the seafaring-theme to avoid clutter. A little goes a long way, so pair printed panels with a solid valance or a padded cornice for a crisp, clean look.

White Sands and Ocean Mist

If you're lucky enough to live at the beach, neutral white and cream-colored curtains can help frame windows and bring the seaside imagery of sun, sand and sea foam inside. A living room with light and bright white Dupioni silk curtains helps emphasize a sunny beach-themed palette of tranquil blues, vibrant greens and energetic orange. Sheer silk crinkle curtains in ecru with a wooden ring header can work well in a kitchen where light is welcomed. White sheer curtain panels hung wider than the frame work well with large picture windows, especially those with ocean or other scenic beach views.

About the Author

Gwen Carrington is a marketing professional with experience in strategic brand management, consumer marketing, business-to-business marketing and communications management. She has held lead marketing roles in a variety of industries, including fine jewelry, new homes and technology.